Using controlled deliveries to combat wildlife crime

Controlled delivery allows illicit or suspect consignments to pass out of, through, or into, the territory of one or more countries, with the knowledge of, and under the supervision of competent authorities. Th e technique has rarely been used to combat wildlife crime, although it is widely used - and with good results - to combat other areas of crime such as the illegal or illicit trade in drugs, precursor chemicals, and tobacco. Two recent cases where controlled delivery has been used to successfully combat wildlife traffi cking are highlighted in this article.